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NewsTeessaurus Park traveller site plan scrapped - but alternative Middlesbrough location identifiedMiddlesbrough Council has confirmed that Teessaurus Park will not be used as an option for
the location of a future Gypsy and Traveller sitegazetteliveBookmarkShareNewsByJade McElweeContent Editor14:51, 27 FEB 2025BookmarkSculptures of dinosaurs in Teessauraus Park (Image:
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Join us on WhatsAppTeessaurus Park will not be considered as a location for a future Gypsy and Traveller site as Middlesbrough, the council has confirmed.
The plan, which was put forward in early 2024, had identified a part of the public park, on Riverside Park Road, as a potential location to provide legally required accommodation for the
Gypsy and Traveller community - but was met with anger and concern from residents and visitors. However, now an alternative site at Cannon Park Way has been identified.
Councillors in Middlesbrough will be asked to approve the next stage of the borough's Local Plan, which identifies land in Middlesbrough suitable for development over the next 15 years.
Once in place, it will be used to guide decisions on individual planning applications.
After a consultation with members of the public and stakeholders, Teessaurus Park - a 10-acre attraction which has been open since 1979, boasts life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs and a
wildlife site - has now been removed as an option. Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Development, said: “Having a Local Plan in place is vital as it dictates where can, and
importantly, cannot be developed in our town - ensuring we have some control over identifying things like new sites for housing and protecting green spaces.
"There was a lot of strong feeling relating to Teessaurus Park when the first draft proposals were published last year. I'm delighted that Council staff have been able to find an
alternative proposal so that we can fulfil our responsibility to provide for the housing needs of the Gypsy and Travelling community.